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Leeds United’s Andrea Radrizzani is risking Marcelo Bielsa’s wrath amid a major transfer update on their pursuit of Stade Brest’s Romain Perraud.

What’s the story?

According to reports from The Athletic’s Phil Hay, the Whites were eyeing a summer transfer move for the left-back, and there were even recent claims that they were confident of landing him after encouraging talks.

Now however, Football Insider claim that a move is on the brink of collapse, with a Leeds source telling them that “there has been frustration over the asking price set by the Ligue 1 club for the French full-back”.

The report adds: “Stade Brest have told the Premier League club they want between £15-18m for the former France Under-20 international.

“That is more than Leeds are willing to pay for a player without senior international or Champions League experience, and who has only been playing in the French top tier for two seasons.”

Bielsa will be fuming

Whilst Leeds’ stance on not wanting to be bullied into paying over the odds for a player is admirable, the fact that he was being considered as their “top” left-back target for this summer earlier in May should surely have seen the Whites just stump up the money here.

£15m-£18m is hardly a blockbuster deal that would have left Leeds completely reeling financially, and there’s a real debate to be had about whether the extra few millions they spend on Perraud is worth more than going after their second or third-choice targets who might be slightly cheaper, but not quite as good.

Perraud himself enjoyed a superb campaign in Ligue 1, with his tally of seven assists in the division only seeing three other Leeds players manage more (Raphinha with nine, Patrick Bamford and Jack Harrison with eight each).

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-elland-road-rodrigo-de-paul” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]

And, in a piece for The Athletic, Hay revealed just why the full-back appears to be an absolutely perfect fit for what Bielsa wants at Elland Road.

He wrote: “Perraud…shows characteristics which would meet Bielsa requirements: a creative edge and a high number of dribbles and shots for a player at his position, combined with a very active role in pressing defensively.”

It’s exactly why Leeds’ decision to pull out of negotiations with Brest over signing Perraud will have Bielsa absolutely fuming.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa must sell this Leeds United flop this summer…

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to an update regarding former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.

The Eagles are on the search for a new manager after it was announced that Roy Hodgson will leave the club at the end of the season.

Lampard, who left Stamford Bridge in January, was thought to be closing in on a Selhurst Park switch, however, according to Football Insider, that has now changed.

They claim that the 42-year-old has now pulled out of the race to take over and doesn’t want to be considered for the vacant post going forward.

The report adds that Lampard views the position as a huge rebuilding job and fears they will get sucked into a relegation battle next season, leaving Palace surprised.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the news on Twitter on Thursday afternoon regarding Lampard’s stance on the role.

This is what some Palace supporters had to say in reply…

“If this is actually true…thank god…would have been a shocking appointment!!”Credit: @stevepcoffey”No Eze that’s why”Credit: @rayraybanks86″No way”Credit: @MATTT046″What a relief, he would probably have gotten us relegated, with a whole lot of debt.”Credit: @michael03407099″Lol good”Credit: @Mark_CPFC”If true, I can’t say I’m gutted”Credit: @danofthesouth_

In other news: Many CPFC fans react as source claims Parish and Freedman are torn, find out more here. 

According to a report by West Ham United insiders Claret & Hugh, star midfielder Declan Rice is expected to re-join full training with the first team over the next few days and could be ready for match action by May 9 against Everton – coming as a big boost for manager David Moyes.

West Ham insider drops big injury boost

Rice has been sidelined since early April after picking up a knee injury but C&H now report that he is nearing his full return.

Indeed, it is said the 22-year-old has been progressing through rehabilitation in much quicker fashion than expected at Rush Green and has even been running on grass in the last few days.

C&H also believe there is a possibility he could be back to full training as early as today but not enough to see him play any part in West Ham’s next encounter away to Burnley.

However, there is a possibility of him returning to the starting line up for their following fixture at home to Everton with Moyes aiming to clinch an unprecedented Champions League berth.

Transfer Tavern take

Despite suffering a slight blow in that mission during their last match, losing 1-0 to European qualifying rivals Chelsea, the top four is still not out of reach for the Irons.

If West Ham are going to do the unthinkable, Moyes will be hoping for any kind of boost possible in the run up to the end of the 2020/2021 campaign.

One major uplift will be the return of Rice, and this news he has been progressing faster than expected and could be back for Everton comes as a huge boost.

A crucial player who defender Craig Dawson lauded as ‘quality’ and at an ‘unbelievable’ level (Twitter)- supporters will also be thankful when he has back partnering Tomas Soucek in midfield.

In other news: West Ham fans want this colossus signed, find out more here.

In recent years Celtic have had an unhealthy habit of seeing their best players walk through the Parkhead exit door.

It’s been a common trend for most managers with the likes of Fraser Forster, Victor Wanyama, Moussa Dembele and Kieran Tierney, to name a few, heading elsewhere in search of better wages and a more reputable division.

It’s a theme that could rear its ugly head once again this summer. Odsonne Edouard has repeatedly been linked with a move away while Kristoffer Ajer has also been touted with an exit.

It remains to be seen how much they’ll receive for their services but Edouard could leave the club for as little as £8m.

That would be disastrous business given his potential and goal scoring antics. Though, when it’s come to selling players we shouldn’t be overly surprised at this development.

The deal to sell Kieran Tierney for £25m is looking worse as the weeks go by. Only last week he was tipped to break the world-record fee for a defender if he leaves Arsenal.

Celtic have lost players like young Andy Robertson on a free transfer too but they also sold Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman is now playing alongside Robertson at Liverpool and has become one of the most impressive defenders in world football.

Sold for just £13m to Southampton in 2015, it’s fair to say the Saints got a better end of the deal.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-roy-keane-nicky-butt-jesse-marsch-scott-brown” title=”Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

Van Dijk impressed considerably on the south coast, so much so that Liverpool paid £75m for his services in 2018, bringing Southampton considerable profit.

Since then, he’s become an imperative piece of the jigsaw at Anfield. With the Dutchman at the back, Jurgen Klopp led Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League glory.

He is a pillar, a man mountain in defence. As of June 2020, he’d only been dribbled past eight times in three Premier League seasons.

His influence on this Liverpool side has been so colossal that without him due to injury this term, they sit in sixth place, 22 points off league leaders Manchester City.

In 2019, the defender’s value soared to £90m and in the process, he was named the second-best player in the world by FIFA. He was named the very best by UEFA in 2018/19 and he has now been included in two successive world XIs by football’s official governing body.

Because of his injury, van Dijk’s value has fallen slightly to £63m but he should still be classified among the very best.

Hailed by Carles Puyol as “the complete defender”, he is adored not only by his teammates but also football icons around the globe.

Speaking last season, his Liverpool teammate Joe Gomez commented: “When there’s a one-v-one battle you know he’s going to dominate; every header, he doesn’t really lose headers at all.

“He’s a real dominant force and a pleasure to play alongside.”

Van Dijk made 115 appearances for Celtic but little did they know that when he left, he would go on to become a world star.

He is an imperious rock, a £180k-per-week player that every attacker in world football has grown to fear. Losing him for just £13m six years ago can only be seen as a costly mistake.

Had they waited a few more years, a more significant sum of money may have come their way.

AND in other news, Big update emerges in Celtic manager hunt, it could be great news for fans…

A number of Aston Villa supporters have been heaping praise on teenage midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka following his impressive FA Youth Cup display on Tuesday evening.

The 17-year-old, who signed a professional deal at Villa Park back in October, scored three times in the club’s 6-1 win over Newcastle United.

Chukwuemeka netted his second and third goals in the space of three minutes in the second half to ensure Villa would advance to the semi-finals, where they will face local rivals West Brom.

The Englishman, capable of playing as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder, was the star of the show at St James’ Park, and his performance caught the eyes of hundreds of Villa supporters on social media.

Villa fans react

The club kept fans up to date during the quarter-final on their official Twitter page.

As to be expected, the news of Chukwuemeka’s hat-trick had a number of supporters talking, with one labelling the youngster’s potential as ‘insane’.

“I’ve seen enough play him on Saturday”

Credit: @catrinedwards18

“Silly”

Credit: @AVFCharvey04

“This lad is gonna be insane”

Credit: @TomLiversage

“Send Barkley back to Chelsea and start this man, baller”

Credit: @PearsallHarry

“It’s a joke. Please get him in the team”

Credit: @_Whittall

“Omg man this guy is unstoppable.”

Credit: @LukeKing_

In other news: Aston Villa outcast a shock target for European giants, find out more here. 

Southampton have been linked with Anderlecht ace Marco Kana recently, and the 18-year-old could prove to be an excellent addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

According to Belgian news outlet Voetbalkrant, Southampton are still keen on the youngster ahead of the summer transfer window, although AC Milan are seemingly leading the race to sign him.

The youngster has established himself as a regular at Anderlecht in recent seasons after coming through their academy and has now made 27 appearances for the first team, in which he has managed one goal and one assist.

Kana can play as both a centre-back and a defensive midfielder and has unsurprisingly earned comparisons to former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, who currently manages Anderlecht and will undoubtedly be giving the 18-year-old excellent advice on how to become a top defender.

An article from the Daily Mail last year suggested that he has already been labelled as “the next Kompany”, although it added that he would be keen on a move to Liverpool should he make the switch to the Premier League, which is seemingly another blow to Southampton’s chances of signing him.

Kana is currently valued at £3.15m by Transfermarkt, although his contract with the Jupiler Pro League side is set to expire in 2025, so the Brussels outfit may demand a much higher fee should Martin Semmens and Southampton make an official approach ahead of next season.

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WhoScored describes the Belgium under-21 international’s strengths as his passing, dribbling and interceptions, whilst his main weakness is his ability in the air. It is therefore is easy to see why he might be more suited for a defensive midfield role in Southampton’s side until he develops further, when he could perhaps be moved back to a more defensive position.

Kana certainly looks to have a bright future and could be a great long-term option for the Saints, especially if he lives up to his billing of the next Kompany, with the Belgian having been a driving force behind Manchester City’s transformation in the Premier League.

Therefore, Semmens should do everything he can to try and bring Kana to St Mary’s this summer, as otherwise he might go on to become a top player elsewhere.

In other news… Signed for £19m, left for £0: Southampton endured a nightmare with 29 y/o shocker

MatériaMais Notícias

O complemente da 26° rodada da Série B ocorre neste sábado, com mais sete jogos. Em um deles, o Bahia, vivo na briga pelo acesso à Série A, recebe o Goiás. O tricolor é o sétimo, com 36 pontos, dois a menos que o CRB, time que fecha a zona de acesso.

Uma vitória combinada a outros resultados coloca o Tricolor Baiano dentro do G4. Já o Goiás, em franca recuperação- nos últimos cinco jogos são duas vitórias e dois empates- é o 15°, com 31 pontos. Uma derrota não devolve o Esmeraldino à zona de degola, mas pode deixá-lo bem próximo. Isso porque o Bragantino, 17°, está com 27 e pode ir a 30.

O Bahia não poderá contar como zagueiro Gustavo e com o atacante Mario. Por outro lado, o técnico Guto Ferreira convive com a expectativa de estreia dos três reforços -Renê Júnior, Misael, e Wesley Natã- O trio já foi regularizado no BID e pode ir para o jogo.

Já no lado do Goiás, o grande reforço é o retorno do goleiro Goiás, que voltou a ser relacionado após dois meses treinando como terceiro goleiro. Ele herdou a vaga de reserva de Ivan, poupado com desconforto muscular. O titular continua sendo Márcio.

Por outro lado, o atacante Walter e os lateral-direito Ednei, machucados, são desfalques. Juninho está suspenso.

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Barcelona have denied reports suggesting they have agreed to sign Gini Wijnaldum this summer as his Liverpool future remains up in the air.

The 30-year-old’s current Reds deal expires at the end of this season following five successful years at Anfield.

Wijnaldum has been a consistently influential player under Jurgen Klopp, proving to be a key presence throughout as Liverpool have clinched Champions League and Premier League glory.

Barcelona have been continually linked with signing the Dutchman on a free transfer this summer, though, and reports over the weekend even suggested that he has agreed to join the La Liga giants.

[freshpress-quiz id=“306736”]

Barcelona deny Wijnaldum deal agreed

According to Mundo Deportivo [via Sport Witness], however, Barca have claimed the rumour ‘is not true’, in the latest twist in the saga.

It looks set to be an interesting few months in regards to Wijnaldum’s future, with the Netherlands international seemingly still weighing up his options.

Transfer Tavern take

The hope is that Wijnaldum decides to stay put at Liverpool, signing a new deal and extending his stay on Merseyside for another few years.

He is still at an age where he can remain an important player, as hinted by his 27 league starts this season, and his brilliance would only be truly appreciated if he chose to move on in the summer.

In other news, James Pearce has provided a key injury update on one influential Liverpool player. Find out who it is here.

According to Eurosport’s Dean Jones, Manchester United are keeping tabs on Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer searches for defensive reinforcements.

What’s the word?

The Red Devils are on the rise as they find themselves embroiled in a race for a top-four place at the top of the table.

But defensive frailties have once again proven to be their undoing at times and Solskjaer is still searching for a long-term partner for Harry Maguire at the back, with question marks remaining over each of Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and Axel Tuanzebe.

Indeed, United have conceded 32 goals in 25 Premier League games, that being the worst out of any side currently in the top four and 11th in the league overall, according to the official standings.

However, Solskjaer could yet find the solution in the form of Villarreal defender Pau Torres, who has impressed for the Yellow Submarine in the Spanish top-flight thus far.

Woodward’s No.1 priority?

The 24-year-old was fast-tracked through the academy ranks in 2016, playing his first match in La Liga just one year later.

Eric Bailly continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford and his potential departure would leave Solskjaer with just Harry Maguire and Lindelof as his senior natural centre-halves.

Signing a player of Torres’ calibre would surely be a significant upgrade on Lindelof, who has so far struggled for consistency this season – against Newcastle, he was rated as the worst United player on the pitch to start the game against the Magpies by SofaScore during the 3-1 win over the Toon at Old Trafford.

Standing at 6 ft 2 in tall, the Spaniard cuts an imposing figure in the box, and boasts an impressive 3.4 clearances per 90 in La Liga this season, via WhoScored.

He also blocks 1.3 shots on goal per game in the Europa League, showing a willingness to get stuck in, which is more than can be said for Lindelof, who has barely been able to manage one block per game in the same competition.

Getting the ball away from the danger zone would at the very least be a good place to start for United,.

Ed Woodward must prioritise signing a new central defender in the summer and he ought to look no further than the 7-cap Spain international.

AND in other news, Max Aarons would be a major upgrade on Man Utd outcast Diogo Dalot…

Tottenham could potentially sign Jose Mourinho’s new Sergio Ramos by bringing in Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Spurs are after the Serbia international, and are keen on bringing him to the Premier League.

An update was delivered on their pursuit of the 6 foot 4 powerhouse by Italian publication CalcioMercato, who claim that Mourinho’s side, along with fellow Premier League giants Liverpool, have reached out to Milenkovic’s agents over a potential move.

The report adds that Manchester United also remain in the equation for his signature, and that Fiorentina also hold out hope they can tie him down to a new deal.

Mourinho’s new Ramos?

Throughout his illustrious managerial career, Mourinho has worked with some of the world’s best, not least Sergio Ramos in his time at Real Madrid.

The Spain international was one of the cornerstones of Madrid’s success in the early 2010s under Mourinho’s leadership, playing 137 times for him – the second-most he’s played for any manager, only behind current Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane.

Ramos was his leader on and off the pitch, and enjoyed some of his peak years under Mourinho’s management – he was named in FIFA’s World XI for three years in a row during the pair’s time at the Bernabeu.

Speaking back in 2012, the current Spurs boss remarked: “When Sergio is at his best, he gives me all that a defender has to give: security in defence, quality bringing the ball out, strength and set pieces, leadership. When he is in shape, he is one of the best.”

And in Milenkovic, Daniel Levy could unearth something incredibly similar. The Serbian is an absolute powerhouse in the centre of defence, averaging 1.5 tackles and 1.3 interceptions in Serie A this season – both stats in the top five among Fiorentina’s entire squad.

The £25.2m-rated titan has already earned rave reviews for his abilities and potential, being described as someone who is “fearless” and is a “beast”. Milenkovic has shown he could also develop into the leader Ramos is right now, having captained Fiorentina on a couple of occasions already this season, despite only being 23.

When Mourinho joined Madrid as manager in May 2010, Ramos was only 24 and was still trying to make his mark on world football. Milenkovic is in that similar age profile, and under the Spurs boss’ guidance, could develop into a superstar just like the Spaniard did.

Meanwhile, Spurs played a blinder by selling this man for £17m…